Equine Assisted Learning

Social & Emotional Learning Classes with Horses

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Book your NDIS session now

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At Alkira Adina Equestrian, Equine Assisted Learning is offered as an educational program, much like attending a class to learn communication, teamwork, or personal development. Horses are our co-educators, helping turn ideas into real experiences that can be seen, felt, and understood.

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Horses are not treated as tools or equipment. They are responsive partners who notice body language, breathing, and emotional energy. Their natural reactions create meaningful opportunities for participants to learn about themselves and how they relate to others.

 

 

What Our Sessions Focus On

Each class is designed to support practical social and emotional learning, including:

• understanding feelings and how they show up in the body

• staying calm when situations feel challenging

• communicating clearly and respectfully

• recognising personal space and healthy boundaries

• building confidence in social settings

• developing trust, empathy, and cooperation

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Learning happens through doing. Participants observe, experiment, reflect, and try again, with the horse offering honest feedback in every moment.

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Book your NDIS session now

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How the Sessions Work

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Sessions may take place on the ground, in the saddle, or through a combination of both, depending on readiness and comfort. All learning begins on the ground so participants can become familiar with how horses communicate and respond.

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Typical class activities include:

• observing how horses interact and make choices

• leading and guiding a horse through simple courses

• games that encourage turn-taking and teamwork

• noticing how posture, focus, and breathing influence the horse

• reflecting on what worked and what to try next

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If a participant becomes tense or rushed, a horse may slow, pause, or step away. With guidance, learners practise adjusting their approach, resetting, and communicating more clearly. These skills are directly transferable to school, friendships, family life, and community participation.

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Games on Horseback

Games on Horseback forms part of our educational timetable and uses playful challenges to strengthen social understanding. Through mounted games, participants practise:

• patience and flexible thinking

• following steps and sequencing tasks

• sharing space with others

• managing excitement and frustration

• celebrating effort rather than perfection

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The focus remains on how we relate and respond, not on riding technique.

Education Aligned with NDIS Goals

Our Equine Assisted Learning classes can align with NDIS goals connected to:

• social participation and confidence

• communication development

• emotional awareness and regulation skills

• engagement in community activities

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Supports may be accessed through Core or Capacity Building, where this matches a participant’s plan and goals.

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Getting Started - Click here to access the NDIS booking page

The first session is a getting-to-know-each-other class where we meet the participant, introduce the horses, and explore what the learner would like to work toward. Together we look at personal goals, interests, and how our classes may support social and emotional learning in everyday life.

There is no obligation to continue after the first session. This initial class allows families to decide whether the program feels like the right fit before committing to ongoing lessons.

The first session is privately paid and includes a one-off administration fee to cover enrolment, planning, and program setup.

An Outdoor Classroom with Four-Legged Teachers

Equine Assisted Learning at Alkira Adina Equestrian is education through experience. Horses help transform abstract ideas into practical understanding, giving participants skills they can carry into classrooms, workplaces, friendships, and daily life.

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Ways people access our services:

Core – Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation- Participation in Community, Social and Civic Activities

Community, Social and Recreational Activities

Group and Centre Based Activities

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Capacity Building: Capacity Building – Increased Social and Community Participation

Development of Daily Living and Life Skills

Innovative Community Participation

Community Participation Activities

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Any questions contact Vanessa hello@alkiraadinaequestrian.com.au or 0432422669

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